Gardens of Miami book now available from The Villagers

The Gardens of Miami coffee table book features approximately 400 color photos showcasing 27 extraordinary private South Florida gardens.

Gardens featured range in philosophy and style from manicured waterfront mansions and mysterious jungles, to preserved historic properties, streamlined modern landscapes, quirky creative settings, and restored wild swamps. Miami’s unique microclimate allows for an exceptional diversity of plant life and unique opportunity for year-round outdoor beauty.

“The book is a must-have for the library of anyone who loves to garden or simply enjoys looking at gardens,” said Dolly MacIntyre, who conceived the idea for the book several years ago. “It was designed to be versatile enough to flip through casually or studied closely for specific details.”

The introduction transports the reader through the past 100 years of explorers, scientists, and iconic landscape architects who have attempted to tame and preserve the natural beauty of the Miami landscape. Area botanic centers, garden clubs and plant societies are also featured.

The Villagers Inc. is Miami-Dade County’s oldest historic preservation organization, founded in 1966. The group has helped save dozens of irreplaceable threads in the tapestry of South Florida’s unique history, with $1.4 million donated to 75 local organizations and scholarships for those studying historic preservation. The book was planned to launch this year in conjunction with The Villagers’ 50th anniversary.

A committee of Villagers, led by Dolly MacIntyre and Julie Petrella Arch, worked intensely for more than two years to select gardens, raise funds for production and oversee the writing and photography of the 264-page book. Photography is by Steven Brooke, introduction by Joanna Lombard, and text by Elaine Mills and Julie Petrella Arch. Because of underwriting, all funds from book sales will support the Villagers’ mission of saving historic places.

Copies sell for $60 plus tax and can be purchased at Books & Books in Coral Gables or ordered on The Villagers’ website at www.thevillagersinc.org.